AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Politics & Party Process: SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency chairmen to await President Julius Maada Bio’s directive on the party’s next flagbearer, sparking fresh calls for a free and transparent process. Security Ahead of Elections: Sierra Leone Police stepped up preparations in Njaluahun Chiefdom ahead of the Aug. 30 Paramount Chieftaincy Election, warning against intimidation and violence. Digital Rights & Online Safety: Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) held a forum in Freetown on women’s online abuse, pushing for stronger protections and accountability in digital spaces. Women’s Leadership & Inclusion: LEAP Africa concluded its Leadership Accelerator Programme for young women, selecting 31 participants from Sierra Leone and other countries for a Nairobi boot camp. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education secured university leaders’ performance contracts, including plans for centralised admissions, secure certificate production and digital fee payments. Water & Sanitation Investment: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Land Governance: Lands Ministry reported completion of boundary harmonisation in Bombali’s Mapaki Village, with community members signing agreements to secure customary land rights. Regional Security Cooperation: ECOWAS began moving Chinese-donated logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to support its planned counter-terrorism force by 2027.

SLPP Flagbearer Row: SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency chairmen to await President Julius Maada Bio’s directive on the party’s next flagbearer, sparking pushback from members who want a free and transparent process. Ebola Warning: A renewed call for stronger, more coordinated action against Ebola in DR Congo says the outbreak is spreading faster and risks repeating past response failures. Women’s Digital Rights: MRCG held a national forum in Freetown to tackle online abuse and strengthen protections for women and journalists in Sierra Leone’s digital spaces. WASH Funding Plan: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7 billion, with an initial US$180 million phase supported by the World Bank. Higher Education Reforms: MTHE says universities have signed performance contracts as it pushes centralised admissions, secure certificates, digital fee payments and stronger research links. Land Governance: A boundary harmonisation event in Bombali saw land-owning families sign agreements to secure customary land rights. Energy Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone trained and will deploy female solar technicians to expand renewable energy installations. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports fuel shortages disrupted prisoner transport to court, raising fears of trial delays.

Women’s Digital Rights: Sierra Leone is pushing stronger protections for women online after a national forum by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Freetown, where advocates flagged risks to safety, privacy, expression and participation and called for better accountability and safeguarding for journalists. Water & Sanitation Planning: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7 billion to expand safe water, sanitation and waste management, strengthen institutions and financing, and coordinate partners under one framework. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says universities have signed performance contracts as it moves on centralised admissions, secure local certificate production, digital fee payments and stronger research-industry links. Land Governance: In Bombali, landowners signed boundary harmonisation agreements in Mapaki Village under customary land rights registration, with community consensus and transparency highlighted. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports a fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays and calling for urgent fixes to logistics and funding disbursement. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with programmes training SMEs to go online and build capacity for growth.

Water & Sanitation Push: Sierra Leone’s government says it has mapped a 10-year WASH plan needing about US$7bn, with priorities on safe water, sanitation, waste management, stronger institutions and financing—alongside an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is driving reforms as universities sign performance contracts, including centralised admissions, secure local certificate production, digital fee payments and stronger research-industry links. Land Rights in Bombali: Landowners in Mapaki Village, Paki Masabong Chiefdom (Bombali) completed a boundary harmonisation event, agreeing and signing boundary maps to secure customary land rights. Youth & Media Safeguarding: NAYCOM commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai urged young leaders toward diplomacy and civic responsibility at a Liberia UN conference, while WIMSAL called for stronger safeguarding and accountability to protect women journalists. Education Funding Debate: SLTU wants the school subsidy raised from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and inadequate support. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports a fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays. Renewables Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone trained and will deploy female solar technicians to expand solar freezer and generator installations.

ECOWAS Security Build-Up: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, following the opening of the Lungi logistics depot—seen as a key step toward a regional counter-terrorism force by mid-2027. Higher Education Reforms: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) says universities have signed performance contracts to push reforms including centralised admissions, local certificate production, digital payments via WanGov, and stronger research-industry links. Media Safeguarding: Women In The Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) is calling for stronger safeguarding and gender justice measures to protect journalists from harassment and exploitation. Tax Leadership Change: The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has completed a leadership handover, with Abu Martin Kanneh taking over and pledging tighter tax compliance and reduced revenue leakages. Education Funding Pressure: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union wants the school subsidy raised from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and insufficient support for schools. Renewables & Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand renewable energy installations. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day with programmes supporting SMEs to go online, train trainers, and strengthen dialogue between government and businesses.

Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone Police have barred a planned Aug. 26 protest by the Citizens Advocacy Network, warning of legal consequences over alleged constitutional breaches in the amendment process. Tax Administration Push: New NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh took office pledging tighter tax compliance and action against revenue leakages, including in the informal sector. Local Governance Focus: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened a policy coherence symposium, urging ministries to stop working in silos and coordinate on issues like food security, jobs and healthcare. Disability Inclusion: The Political Parties Regulation Commission stepped up efforts to boost meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in party politics, including calls for party databases. Water Utility Trust: SALWACO is reviewing a 2026–2030 branding strategy to rebuild public confidence and improve how the utility is experienced by customers. Ebola Regional Alarm: UN and WHO-linked reporting says DRC Ebola has killed over 2,500 and is spreading rapidly, with vaccine allocation updates and warnings of mounting pressure on health systems. Migration Deal Watch (Regional): Liberia began receiving U.S. third-country deportees under a deal, with Sierra Leone listed among countries involved in similar arrangements.

Deportation Deal Hits Liberia First: The first group of 20 people deported from the U.S. arrived in Liberia under a deal to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees over a year, with most coming from Latin America (Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia) and officials saying arrivals can seek asylum or leave. Constitutional Tension in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone is again at a constitutional crossroads as lawmakers and legal voices clash over the process for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, with calls for restraint and Supreme Court review. Local Governance Focus: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened a national symposium pushing stronger policy coordination so government programmes deliver results on food security, youth jobs and healthcare. Disability Inclusion in Politics: The Political Parties Regulation Commission stepped up moves to boost meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, including urging formal party membership and better representation. Human Rights Goes Rural: HRCSL held mobile complaints hearings in Moyamba and Kenema to bring justice and human rights services closer to remote communities. Digital Commerce Regulation: Sierra Leone moved to close a seven-year legal gap affecting digital commerce, aiming for clearer rules to protect businesses, consumers and investors. Ebola Alarm in the Region: WHO and Africa CDC warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening, with fatality rates above 46% and health systems under strain. Education Access Update: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE digital certificates online for school candidates to download from the WAEC digital platform. Freetown Market Upgrade: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market, a major local economic and historical landmark project.

Constitutional Crisis: Pressure is mounting on President Julius Maada Bio to reject or carefully review the controversial constitutional amendment bill, as civil society, lawyers, religious bodies and the Labour Congress urge “hold the pen” ahead of Supreme Court-linked questions over Parliament’s process and the two-thirds threshold. Local Governance & Economy: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has launched construction of the historic King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, with EU and city council funding, aiming to replace unsafe, outdated trading conditions with a modern indoor market. Public Health & Safety: A garbage dumpsite near Fourah Bay College was cleared after public outcry over flies and blocked movement, renewing calls for sustained waste management. Humanitarian & Regional Migration: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. within a year, starting with 20 arriving in Monrovia, described as “humanitarian” and without compensation. Sports: Leone Stars begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers preparations with the return of goalkeeper “Fabianski” Mohamed Nbalie Kamara, putting his current form under scrutiny. Education & Research: AMEU and the University of Sierra Leone’s IPAM renewed academic cooperation, focusing on joint research, exchanges and postgraduate opportunities across the Mano River region.

Constitutional Showdown: Pressure is building on President Julius Maada Bio to reject or “hold the pen” on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill, as civil society, lawyers, religious bodies and the Labour Congress warn the process could undermine democratic restraint and trigger wider constitutional questions. Public Protest Plans: The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has notified police of a peaceful protest and march on 26 August over alleged constitutional violations in the amendment process. Local Accountability: A dumpsite near Fourah Bay College has been cleared after public outcry over rubbish and flies affecting students and residents. Child Protection Concern: Calls are growing for government action against street begging at Freetown beaches, with allegations that young children are being used to solicit money from visitors. Energy & Economy: Sungrow has commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, a national-scale grid-connected milestone backed by the World Bank. Governance & Gender: Government, with UN Women, launched a Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 GEWE Act implementation report. Health Watch: WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is “far from under control,” with rapid spread and rising deaths.

Constitutional Crossroads: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment row is heading toward Supreme Court interpretation after Parliament’s Speaker ruling, with public guidance and debate intensifying on whether President Bio should assent. Child Protection in Freetown: Calls are growing for government action over children reportedly used to beg at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches, urging protection measures beyond treating it as a tourism nuisance. Gender Accountability: Government, with UN Women, launched a Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 GEWE Act implementation report, backed by partners including the World Bank and Ireland. Energy Push: Sungrow commissioned Sierra Leone’s RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, a national-scale grid-connected milestone after nearly a decade. Digital Diplomacy: UNDP equipped Sierra Leone’s Foreign Service Academy with technology to strengthen digital learning and research for future diplomats. Mobile Money Fraud Plan: A national consultative workshop mapped a roadmap to combat mobile money fraud and cyber scams. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from under control,” spreading faster than before and risking wider spread. Court Case in Freetown: Two drivers were remanded over alleged theft of a Ministry of Education vehicle, with the case adjourned to August 20.

Constitutional Crossroads: President Julius Maada Bio faces a high-stakes decision on whether to sign a constitutional amendment as the dispute heads to the Supreme Court, with critics warning the process could test Sierra Leone’s democratic credibility. Digital Security: Government launched a national roadmap to combat mobile money fraud, bringing together regulators, telecoms, banks, civil society and law enforcement to tighten coordination across the digital finance ecosystem. Labour Unrest: UASA issued a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed conditions of service and a demand for a 100% salary increase for academic staff. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Police issued a wanted notice for a Freetown security guard accused of breaking into an office and stealing money after a school event; meanwhile, residents of Kissy renewed calls for urgent rehabilitation of the long-deteriorating Old Road. Health Watch: WHO warned the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is “far from being under control,” citing insecurity, displacement and fast spread risks. Politics & Parties: SLPP warned the public about impersonation scams targeting its national chairman, while LPP’s leader explained his entry into politics and youth-focused plans.

Ebola Update: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” citing a big head start and rapid spread; the outbreak has killed over 2,300 people and is now the deadliest in the country’s history, with fears it could reach more borders. AFCON Build-Up: Leone Stars coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has opened a home-based training camp at the SLFA Academy as Sierra Leone prepares for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment process remains in the spotlight as APC moves toward court action and civil society plans an Aug 26 peaceful protest over alleged constitutional violations. Party & Governance: SLPP chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa inspects the Kenema regional party office project, while the government inducts 704 newly recruited civil servants. Public Finance & Scams: A debate continues over President Bio’s appointment of Karefa Kargbo as Finance Minister, and SLPP warns of rising impersonation scams targeting its national chairman. Local Needs: Residents appeal to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to intervene in bridge delays on the Makeni-Kamakwei highway. Sports & Culture: Miss World 2026 coverage highlights Sierra Leone’s Mariyam Konneh as the country’s bid for the crown.

Constitutional Showdown: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment dispute is heating up as the APC prepares to challenge the process in court, while the Inter-Religious Council urges restraint and national interest; Sylvia Blyden also warns President Bio that assent could be overturned by the Supreme Court. Police Protest Notice: Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has notified Sierra Leone Police of a planned peaceful protest and procession on Aug. 26 over alleged constitutional violations. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Residents of Karene District have appealed to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to intervene in urgent bridge construction on the Makeni–Kamakwie highway after rainy-season disruptions. Public Finance & Accountability: EU-funded training has brought 46 Sierra Leone auditors together in Freetown to improve management letter report writing and strengthen accountability. Ebola Update (Regional Impact): The DRC Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases as it spreads to a sixth province. Education Funding Debate: Baze University’s VC calls for stronger government support for private universities and greater TETFund backing. ECOWAS Tourism Talks: ECOWAS held a COPITOUR consultative meeting in Abuja with Sierra Leone among participating states to boost regional tourism and jobs. Youth & Digital Life: A UNICEF/GSMA U-Report poll gathered 211,300 responses across 119 countries on how young people experience life online.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight deepened as President Bio summoned MPs back to Parliament, while the APC said it will challenge the “purported amendment” in court and warned Bio could face Supreme Court backlash if he assents; the Inter-Religious Council urged calm, consensus and constitutional restraint. Budget & Fiscal Pressure: Government proposed an NLe31.1bn budget for the 2027 fiscal year, with recurrent spending dominating and limited capital space. Corruption & Revenue Loss: The Anti-Corruption Commission alleged serious compromise at the National Revenue Authority’s ASYCUDA system, linked to over 300bn leones missing through unauthorised deletions. Public Accountability Training: EU-funded training brought 46 Sierra Leone auditors together to improve management letter report writing. Health Watch (Regional): DRC Ebola hit new grim milestones, with deaths rising to 2,325 and case fatality jumping to 46%. Agribusiness: Sierra Leone Brewery (SLBL) recorded its highest-ever sorghum supply and set higher 2027 local sourcing targets. Security: Police in Port Loko recovered two rusted AK-47 rifles reportedly buried in a rice bag.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment process is under fresh scrutiny as APC leader Abdul Kargbo insists the Speaker cannot amend the Constitution without the required two-thirds majority, while legal commentators say the Supreme Court must clarify what “two-thirds of MPs” means for future electoral reforms. Local Governance Push: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh has begun nationwide regional consultations in Kenema to strengthen decentralisation and improve service delivery, with recommendations expected to feed into policy and possible legislation. Infrastructure for Trade: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway in Kailahun, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and regional integration. Health Funding Worry: Britain’s planned sharp cuts to bilateral aid could significantly reduce support for Sierra Leone’s health gains, including programmes tied to maternal and child care. Energy Costs: Data shows Sierra Leone has Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, highlighting mounting pressure on household budgets. Security Update: Police in Port Loko reportedly recovered two rusted AK-47 rifles buried in a rice bag, with investigations ongoing. Youth & Jobs: The new Liberation People’s Party leader, Pastor Mohamed Samuel Kamara, used his first TV appearance to outline plans focused on youth unemployment and local economic development.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight is heating up as APC rejects Parliament’s handling of the “two-thirds” threshold and calls for Supreme Court intervention, while Speaker Segepoh Thomas’s ruling and Supreme Court referral keep the legal question alive. Finance & Appointments: Questions are growing over President Bio’s appointment of Karefa Kargbo as Finance Minister, with critics pointing to his NPRC-era political history amid fiscal pressure. Local Governance: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh has begun nationwide regional consultations on local governance and decentralisation, aiming to improve service delivery through listening sessions and coordination committees. Health & Aid: Britain is set to cut direct bilateral aid to Sierra Leone sharply, raising fears for health services and public programmes. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone is reported as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, pushing household bills higher. Environment & Food Systems: MoECC and partners have kicked off a Global Environment Facility project to bring nature-based solutions to farmers under the Feed Salone agenda. Sports: SLFA supports clubs with $5,000 each for CAF campaigns, while Star Sport Academy faces a tough CAF build-up after a 4-0 loss in the West Africa Champions Cup. Crime & Justice: Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers’ alleged presence in Sierra Leone is again under scrutiny after the extradition of Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan.